Coordinator of Eco-Conscious Citizens, Awula Serwah, has called for the outright repeal of Legislative Instrument (L.I) 246, instead of a review, due to what she describes as significant inconsistencies within the legislation.
Speaking on Joy News’ AM Show on Tuesday, February 25, Serwaa emphasised that L.I. 246, which deals with the management of forest reserves and other environmentally sensitive areas, must be completely revoked to ensure better protection of Ghana’s natural resources.
“My reading is that we should not review; we should revoke L.I 246 in its entirety,” she stated.
She argued that experts, such as environmental specialist , Tyrel, could further elaborate on the need for the revocation, pointing out that certain provisions of the law contradict established environmental principles.
One of the key concerns raised by Serwaa and her group, Eco Conscious Citizens, is Section 31 of L.I 246, which she believes dangerously allows for mining in forest reserves, including globally significant biodiversity areas.
“We Eco Conscious Citizens have focused on Section 31, which allows mining in forest reserves, including globally significant biodiversity areas. But there are other aspects that are inconsistent,” Serwaa explained, expressing her frustration over the potential long term environmental consequences.
Serwaa continued to stress that simply reviewing the law would not be sufficient.
She advocates for a complete repeal, suggesting that this would lead to greater environmental sanity and more sustainable management of the country’s forests and natural reserves.
“Don’t review, repeal the whole thing, and then you will have some sanity,” she concluded.
Source: myjoyonline.com